CONDITION: Osteopenia

DESCRIPTION:
Osteopenia is a progressive decrease in the density of the bones, and is categorized as the stage before osteoporosis. An estimated 18 million people, mostly women, currently have low bone mass, or osteopenia.

How does osteopenia develop?
Osteopenia occurs either when the body fails to form enough new bone, when too much old bone is reabsorbed by the body, or when both occur. Calcium and phosphate are essential for normal bone formation. Throughout youth, the body uses these minerals to produce bones. However, if calcium intake is not sufficient, or if the body does not absorb enough calcium from the diet, bone production and bone tissues may suffer. In addition to a low intake of calcium and phosphate, other risk factors for osteopenia include a genetic predisposition, a sedentary lifestyle, a petite stature and small bone structure, long-term use of steroids or heparin, cigarette smoking and declining levels of estrogen after menopause. Osteopenia usually occurs gradually over the course of many years.

What are the symptoms of osteopenia?
There are no symptoms associated with the early stages of osteopenia. As such, osteopenia is a silent risk factor for fractures. Symptoms occurring during later stages include fractures of the vertebrae, wrists or hips (usually the first indication); low back pain; neck pain; bone pain and tenderness; loss of height over time; and a stooped posture.

Conventional medical treatments may help relieve the symptoms of osteopenia, but they do not address the root of the problem. By addressing the underlying causes of osteopenia through better nutrition, natural supplements and natural hormone replacement, the progression of this crippling condition can be halted.

Discover why we believe that natural medicine treatments are the best way to strengthen structural weaknesses in the body and treat osteopenia.

Learn about the treatments for Osteopenia